Հայաստանի թռչունների պահպանման միություն | Page 20

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OBJECTIVE:

Develop the Armenian network of IBAs and promote its concept
among the public and authorities
One of ASPB’s major steps to secure the habitats for birds is through the
Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program. Although IBAs are defined by its bird fauna,
they capture other biodiversity as well. IBAs are not legally protected in their own
right: they vary in size from a few hectares to thousands of hectares, may include
public or private lands, and may be protected or unprotected. In Armenia they
may form part of protected areas, but this does not necessarily mean habitat
disturbance will not occur. The conservation of habitats and birds within IBAs is
largely dependent on the way the IBA is managed. It is therefore important that
these areas be protected as IBAs so that they can continue to provide critical
habitat for Armenia’s birds. IBAs mobilize networks of people and form part of a
wider, integrated approach to conservation which focuses on species, habitats
and people. When needed, ASPB will use public pressure to protect threatened
sites and will promote their value to provide for adequate funding to be used for
conservation of these sites.

Work on the ground: IBA
Caretakers
In order to monitor and protect IBAs in Armenia,
ASPB has been creating a coordinated network of
IBA Caretakers or Local Site Support Groups (SSG).
These are local community leaders living at or near
IBAs identified for one or more bird species and help
to monitor birds, take direct conservation actions
and report the results to ASPB. Such network of local
Caretakers has proven to be very effective in a variety
of political situations and works effectively in countries
with different social and economic conditions.

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Armenian Siciety for the Protection of Birds